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The impact of COVID-19 on the financial and sustainability performance of insurance companies in South Africa
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Accounting: Financial Accounting, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The study aimed to investigate how the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected insurance
companies' financial and sustainability performance in South Africa. This comes from the fact that
with the occurrence of COVID-19, insurance companies had to do two things at the same time, which
were adaptability and resilience. For the insurance industry it is very essential to show resilience in
the face of uncertainty, which became even more important since the COVID-19 pandemic. The other
thing is growing pressure to follow modern sustainability standards.
In a business world that is always shifting and full of risks and problems, it is important for insurance
companies to have solid strategies that not only help them deal with problems as they come up but
also help the industry grow in the long-term. The COVID-19 pandemic made resilience even more
important by forcing businesses around the world to quickly adjust to new situations, like changes in
customer needs, economic downturns, and government reactions. To accomplish the research
objective, the study used a secondary data. The study used a quantitative method that was in line with
the positivist research philosophy. The sample used for the study was made up of 37 insurance
companies that were registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa.
To get the environmental and social performance from the integrated annual reports of registered
insurance businesses from 2017 to 2022, a quantitative content analysis was used. These reports were
obtained from the websites of the respective companies. Regression analysis is used in this research
to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on the sustainability and financial performance of the firms.
The research found a statistically significant and positive association between Return on Assets
(ROA) and COVID-19 among South African insurance companies. The link was shown by a positive
coefficient of 2.642 and a p-value of 0.000. This shows that insurance companies effectively
responded to pandemic-related disruptions. However, a significant adverse link was found between
the COVID-19 and return on equity (ROE). This highlights a potential roadblock to insurance firms'
financial success, as it was evidenced by negative coefficient of -0.15 and a p-value of 0.008.
Furthermore, the negative correlation between Tobin's Q and COVID-19, demonstrated by a
coefficient of -2.55 and a p-value of 0.793, reveals the industry's complicated dynamics, although
being statistically insignificant. Likewise, a positive and statistically significant relationship was
found between COVID-19 and both social responsibility and environmental sustainability
performances, with coefficients of 2.548 and a p value of 0.000, and 0.782 and a p value of 0.000
respectively. This research advances the understanding of industry stakeholders, governments, and
academics by providing insights into strategic decision-making and encouraging flexibility in the face
of future uncertainty. Aside from its immediate focus, this study has significant implications for South Africa's economic climate, giving a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent
in the insurance market. Therefore, it increases the country's overall resilience and fosters growth
Improving rural citizen satisfaction with water services : a case of the uMzumbe Local Municipality
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences in Public Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.South African rural households generally experience water supply challenges. Some rural households do not have access to potable water services at all and rely on natural sources. The consequences of water from such sources are far-reaching. Where households have access to potable water, they mostly use community taps which in many cases are further from their dwellings. Equally, evidence exists that water supply reliability and quality are major concerns in many rural areas. This study aims to establish possible ways through which water service delivery can be improved to meet the needs of rural citizens in South Africa. To do this, a mixed-methods approach was adopted where quantitative data was collected from 360 household heads across four villages selected in the Umzumbe Local Municipality. Additionally, qualitative data was collected from 7 employees sampled from the Water Service Department of the UGu District Municipality which is the Water Service Authority for the Umzumbe Local Municipality. Probit regression models were then used to analyse the quantitative data, while a manual thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Results from the household survey revealed that households are not satisfied with how they currently access drinking water, they are also not satisfied with the quality of their drinking water and are not satisfied with water supply reliability. On the contrary, municipal employees revealed that rural households are currently satisfied with the quality of their drinking water supply. However, they identified load shedding, illegal connections, budget constraints, ageing infrastructure, and climate change among the key factors affecting effective water service delivery in the municipality. The study then triangulates the quantitative and qualitative findings and made five recommendations that can improve rural citizen satisfaction with water services.
The influence of supply chain management (SCM) practices on small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMES) performance in Ghana
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Business Administration), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Supply chain management practices play a crucial role in determining the performance and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, as they do in businesses around the world. Effective SCM can help SMEs all over the world to enhance their competitiveness, reduce costs, improve product quality, and increase customer satisfaction. SMEs have been highlighted as a significant source of employment on a global scale. Due to their substantial contribution to the GDP of any nation, SMEs can also act as a catalyst for economic change. For every nation seeking change, poverty reduction, employment redistribution, company development, and robust economic growth, SMEs have been identified as essential resources. Several countries around the world have a significant number of SMEs and have fostered environments that encourage entrepreneurship and SME growth. However, numerous unique challenges and opportunities exist for SMEs to consider when implementing SCM practices. The manufacturing growth attributable to SMEs in these countries has strengthened, suggesting any anticipated industrial production decline on a worldwide scale may be tempered by their contribution. This proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt that manufacturing SMEs play a crucial role in every nation, and perhaps more so in emerging nations, such as Ghana. SMEs comprise more than 90 percent of formal businesses, operate in almost every industrial area of the economy, and are responsible for more than 50 percent of employment and GDP. Manufacturing SMEs are, nonetheless, faced with a number of difficulties, which have basically influenced their growth and development, resulting in numerous SMEs compelled to close down in the recent past. The ability to overcome these barriers are among the critical SME success factors. Elements that contribute to manufacturing SME success in becoming established have been extensively researched with a variety of variables identified. Furthermore, while extensive research on SCM has been undertaken, gaps remain in the area of how best practices in the field impacts the work of manufacturing enterprises on a micro, small and medium scale. Therefore, research on how SCM practices affect SME performance is crucial, with the ability to advance the existing state of manufacturing SMEs in Ghana. The manufacturing SMEs in eight southern areas of Ghana are specifically mentioned in this study. In order to offer a prototype model for enhancing the performance of SMEs, the study set out to determine the essential aspects affecting SCM practices on SCM performance across Ghanaian manufacturing SMEs. The high failure rate currently observed in the manufacturing sector, linked to a number of important obstacles manufacturing SMEs face in Ghana, serves as justification for the study. The study was conducted within the southern regions of Ghana, employing a mixed research method. The population of the study consisted of 363 manufacturing SME leaders, owners and managers. A non-probability, convenience, and purposive sampling technique was adopted, while a closed and opened-ended questionnaire was used as primary data collection tool. Inferential and descriptive statistical analysis of the data was undertaken using the SPSS (v 27.0) computer package. According to the study findings, numerous issues seriously affect manufacturing SMEs, and they must overcome sizable obstacles that have a detrimental impact on their productivity. These have an impact on SME capacity to implement elements to encourage, support, and sustain the expansion of their business. It was found financial access is one of the main elements that positively contribute to sustainability, growth, and performance, while infrastructure, technological progress, market accessibility, and competitiveness, in addition to education and training, were also mentioned as important drivers of firm success. Improved comprehension of SCM techniques and their theoretical and practical consequences for manufacturing SMEs is offered by the study, which aims to also offer critical insights to this understanding. Additionally, it offers a wide range of suggestions and proposes a conceptual framework for those elements’ corporate executives, public servants, and policy makers can understand, in order to assist the manufacturing sector, manage its current problems. The study seeks to contribute to both theoretical and practical enhancement of knowledge on SCM practices that influence performance of manufacturing SMEs.
Exploring the use of competitive intelligence for student recruitment at selected public universities in East London, South Africa
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, specialising in Public Relations and Communication Management at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Student recruitment is crucial for universities. Increased competition among institutions due to rising
applications makes competitive recruitment strategies essential. The competition among South African
Higher Education institutions, specifically in East London, has led Walter Sisulu University and the
University of Fort Hare to compete for students. The overall aim of this study was to investigate how
competitive intelligence is used as a communication strategy to promote student recruitment. A mixed
methodology was used to collect data from first-time entering students and staff members from two
public universities based in South Africa, in the Eastern Cape. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability
measurement scored 0.89 which is in keeping with the reliability’s quantitative domain. Results revealed
that a combination of both traditional and technology-based communication strategies is being used by
public universities for student recruitment. The study also found that the marketing and communication
divisions were not using a standardised communication strategy for recruitment. Instead, they rely on
both traditional and competitive intelligence-driven communication strategies. This diversity assists with
devising messages to meet the diverse communication needs of students. To promote student
recruitment at public universities this study therefore recommends a communication strategy
framework that incorporates competitive intelligence.
The role of corporate governance towards the reliability of financial reports in small and medium enterprises in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences Specialising in Business Law at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Small and medium enterprises (SME) play a vital role in the global economy, but their
financial reporting reliability is a concern due to limited resources. Corporate
governance is crucial for directing businesses, fostering participation, and ensuring
long-term sustainability. This research investigates SMEs' compliance, challenges,
and the role of corporate governance in the reliability of their financial reports.
The research employed quantitative research design as a technique of collecting data
and analysing data, collected from a sample of 248 SMEs via non-probability,
purposive sampling method. The findings were presented and analysed by SPSS
28.0.
The study found that SMEs in Durban lack a board structure, which is crucial for
strategic decision-making and sustainability. The absence of effective corporate
governance has a detrimental impact on the transparency and reliability of financial
reporting, ultimately jeopardising the viability of these enterprises. Conversely, when
governance is properly implemented, it can mitigate potential risks and improve
compliance, thereby supporting the long-term growth and success of SMEs.
Furthermore, corporate governance and financial reporting help address internal
difficulties encountered by SMEs. The dependability of financial reports is dependent
on excellent governance, effective risk management, and ethical compliance. This
assurance is achieved through the process of auditing.
The study revealed that SMEs require greater focus on strategic policies, governance,
and access to platforms that facilitate the development of professional networks.
These networks provide businesses with access to skilled individuals who can
potentially serve as non-executive board members.
The collaborative role of school libraries in teaching and learning at selected public schools from Umlazi Township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Master of Management Sciences in Library and Information Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The study investigated the role of the school library in teaching and learning. The main purpose of the study was to identify the role school libraries play in supporting teaching and learning at schools. The study adopted the following objectives; to determine the collaborative role of school libraries in teaching and learning at the selected schools in the Umlazi Township, to determine the factors that enhance the collaborative role of the school library in the teaching and learning process, and to find out how the selected school libraries promote information literacy to teachers and learners. The scope of the study was on the teachers and teacher librarians from the four functional school libraries at Umlazi namely: Swelihle High School, Comtech High School, Umlazi Secondary School and KwaShaka High School. The current study adopted a mixed method approach. The data was collected using semi structured face-to-face interviews for teacher librarians and questionnaires for educators. The researcher administered questionnaires and conducted interviews herself. Census was used for the 141 population participants comprising 13 8 teachers and 3 teacher librarians of the study. This research study sought to use a suitable research approach to address the aims and objectives of the study; and analysis of findings was carried out by means of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for the quantitative data using tables and figures to present data. The qualitative content analysis was analyzed using Tesch's approach and presented data using texts and tables. The current study revealed that sixty seven percent ( 67%) of the participants support schools in terms of curriculum, with promotion of reading and literacy, and for learners to retrieve information as this is the role of their school libraries in teaching and learning. Furthermore, the study discovered that there are factors that enhance the teaching and learning processes in their schools such as promotion of reading, writing, speaking, listening skills, improved learners' results especially matric, and the collaboration between teacher librarians and teachers to priorities learners' needs. Lastly, this study discovered that the school libraries promote literacy to teachers and learners through library programs, and provision of library materials for suitable reading, etc. This study recommends that the schools should hire qualified librarians and have their own budgets; the library period should be allocated on the school time-tables; new library materials/collection must be bought; school libraries should buy new computers that are compatible with the new technologies; school learners should be encouraged to borrow books; and the Provincial Departments of Education should work with school librarians and teachers to improve school libraries in public schools.
The role of organisational learning in fostering business performance of SMMEs in the western region of Ghana
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences Specializing in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Research on Organisational Learning has been up-surging in recent years in management
literature. Yet empirical research on how it impacts Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises’
(SMME) performance is still under-researched, particularly in Ghana. This study set out to
investigate the role of organisational learning in the performance of SMMEs in the Western
Region of Ghana. The study employed a positivist research paradigm using a quantitative
approach where a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from owners and managers
of SMMEs registered with the Ghana National Board of Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) in the
Western Region. Using a convenience sampling technique, a total of 389 self-administered
questionnaires were distributed. Of these, 370 were returned, and 350 were deemed suitable for
analysis. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) was used for inferential
and descriptive analysis of the data. The study revealed that there is a statistically significant
and positive relationship between organisational learning and SME performance. This study
concluded that the higher SMME owners and managers perceived the various dimensions of
organisational learning positively, the higher the performance of the firms. Consequently,
Continuous learning and opportunity exploitation are necessary for SMME growth and
sustainability, although institutional limits must also be taken into account. Thus, managers and
owners should develop ideas based on ongoing education, readiness, active search for
information and existing knowledge, and idea evaluation.
Infrastructure delivery management challenges in KwaZulu-Natal : a review of the operations and maintenance module
No full textGlobally, governments have prioritized infrastructural policy and infrastructure development as the key to economic development. Efforts to accelerate effective infrastructural delivery in South Africa gave rise to the development of a government-wide tool called the Infrastructural Delivery Management System (IDMS). This was developed as a standardized approach for the planning, budgeting, procurement, operations, maintenance, decision-making and general management of South Africa’s infrastructural development across all tiers of government. The study explores the effectiveness of implementing the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) module of the IDMS in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Focusing on the KZN province, the study utilizes a mixed method research approach. Articles were sourced from databases which included Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Governmental platforms. Peer-reviewed studies in the English language that were published between 2010 to 2024 were identified. Key search terms were infrastructure delivery management system, challenges, operations, maintenance, and efficiency that informed the literature review of the study. The study drew a sample of 133 participants responsible for infrastructural delivery using purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest within the ecosystem of infrastructural development in the KZN province, the necessary IDMS capacity and capabilities do exist. However, the impact of different institutional roles, responsibilities and concurrent functions; in coordinating and implementing the IDMS, has influenced a growing backlog in public infrastructural delivery in KZN. This can be attributed to the failures in coordination resulting in the efficiencies of the O&M module. Through the resurrection of district maintenance workshops and decisive leadership in response to poor operational and maintenance plans, the application of IDMS may prove to be successful in alleviating infrastructure backlogs across all tiers of governance
The use of technology in African language pedagogy : a sociological approach
No full textTechnology has brought about new knowledge forms in all aspects of human life. The new knowledge forms have transformed not only human lives but also human ways of doing things. Education has also benefited from technological transformation which is witnessed through the delivery of teaching and reception of learning with technology. The use of technology in teaching has been a fundamental theme in the 21st century as the world tends towards the fourth industrial revolution. Using Bourdieu’s social theory, this paper seeks to gain an understanding of how the use of technology is impacted by the social context of language lecturers. This study aimed to investigate how language lecturers’ social context influences their use of technology in teaching African languages. To pursue the above aim, an in-depth interview was conducted with 8 language lecturers across 3 universities in KwaZulu-Natal using stratified and snowball sampling methods. This study analyses lecturers' social context regarding technology use in teaching. It also examines the value lecturers place on technology for teaching African languages. Finally, it provides recommendations for lecturers and stakeholders to effectively implement technology for teaching African languages within the social context of language lecturers
Safety of journalists in Ghana
No full textThe continual threats against the lives of journalists
have been blamed for Ghana’s decline in the World
Press Freedom Index ranking for the past two years.
Even though much of the evidence for this has
primarily been anecdotal, various efforts have been
undertaken to compile reports of abuses through
media monitoring projects to give a realistic picture
of the status of safety of journalists in Ghana.
While these have proven to be critical reference
points, they fall short of giving a comprehensive
picture of the scope and depth of issues relating
to safety of journalists. This study used a survey
and key informant interviews to elicit the views
and reflections of key stakeholders on the matter.
Among other findings, it was established that police,
political fanatics, politicians, security operatives,
government officials, and other journalists were
among the top perpetrators of safety violations
against journalists. Verbal abuse was predominant
among violations suffered. Males tend to suffer
physical abuse more than females while females,
on the other hand, are subjected to more online
trolling. Many of the respondents were dissatisfied
with the posture of law enforcement agencies
and the Ghana Journalists Association concerning
journalists’ safety. The study also found that safety
provisions by media organisations (e.g., counselling
support, legal aid, medical support) need to be
improved. The study recommends, among others,
that the state must ensure the safety and protection
of journalists and that media organisations must
make proactive investments to secure the safety of
their employees